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The Absolute Game

by Skids

Released: September 19, 1980

Post-punk, new wave

musicOnOff editorial

Why This Album Matters

This album matters because its strongest editorial story is: Chart Success.

The Album

"The Absolute Game" is the third studio album by the Scottish punk rock and new wave band Skids, recorded in 1980 and produced by Mick Glossop. This collaboration contributed to the evolving sound of Skids and highlighted their ability to adapt and innovate within the punk and new wave genres. Alex Ogg of AllMusic noted that with The Absolute Game, the Skids were "branching out" musically, crafting "illustrious pop tunes." This observation highlights the band's evolution from their punk roots toward a more melodic and accessible sound, reflecting their growth as songwriters while maintaining the energy characteristic of their earlier work.

Stories and details

Interesting Facts

The album features themes of social commentary and…

The album features themes of social commentary and youth culture, solidifying Skids' place in the UK music scene of the time.

The Absolute Game is notable for being the…

The Absolute Game is notable for being the first collaborative effort between vocalist Richard Jobson and new bassist Russell Webb.

Their partnership continued beyond Skids, as they later…

Their partnership continued beyond Skids, as they later formed the band The Armoury Show and worked together on Jobson's solo album, Badman.

Watch and listen

Explore the Album

Skids - The Absolute Game

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Then

Reception

It peaked at No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing a blend of punk energy and melodic elements that defined their sound. Released in September 1980 by Virgin Records, the album marked a significant milestone in the band's career, becoming their most commercially successful release.

Full background

The Complete Album Story

"The Absolute Game" is the third studio album by the Scottish punk rock and new wave band Skids, recorded in 1980 and produced by Mick Glossop. Released in September 1980 by Virgin Records, the album marked a significant milestone in the band's career, becoming their most commercially successful release. It peaked at No. 9 on the UK Albums Chart, showcasing a blend of punk energy and melodic elements that defined their sound. The album features themes of social commentary and youth culture, solidifying Skids' place in the UK music scene of the time.

The Absolute Game is notable for being the first collaborative effort between vocalist Richard Jobson and new bassist Russell Webb. Their partnership continued beyond Skids, as they later formed the band The Armoury Show and worked together on Jobson's solo album, Badman. This collaboration contributed to the evolving sound of Skids and highlighted their ability to adapt and innovate within the punk and new wave genres.

Alex Ogg of AllMusic noted that with The Absolute Game, the Skids were "branching out" musically, crafting "illustrious pop tunes." This observation highlights the band's evolution from their punk roots toward a more melodic and accessible sound, reflecting their growth as songwriters while maintaining the energy characteristic of their earlier work.